Zuckerkuchen: The German Funeral Cake

Reflecting on the traditional German funeral cake, Zuckerkuchen
Zuckerkuchen, Butterkuchen, German cake, Traditional German cake

Zuckerkuchen.
(Credit: www.shelikes.de/2014/08/butterkuchen-20-super-saftig-und-ohne.html)

The mention of German food may entice images of bratwurst, beer and sauerkraut galore – but there’s one specialty from Deutschland that holds a special place amongst its inhabitants because it represents the inextricable bond between life and death. Sound like a lot of pressure for a bit of food? Well, the delicacy in question, Zuckerkuchen (sometimes Butterkuchen), lives up to the hype.

“…one specialty from Deutschland holds a special place amongst its inhabitants because it represents the inextricable bond between life and death.”

rolling dough, making dough, cooking, baking the kitchen, hands with dough

Credit: cookteen.com

Zuckerkuchen (or “sugar cake” in English) is a remarkable little pastry because it is served at both weddings and funerals. This may seem like an insignificant detail, but think about it: what are the associations you have with funerals? Black? White flowers? Often, the main association we have with funeral or memorial events are intangible – feelings of sadness or pain – and seldom of an indulgent food item. Weddings create sentimental memories, too, but they’re also accompanied by memories of good decorations and food. Traditional “western” funerals are usually austere, which is why the idea of having a small element that can change that atmosphere is exciting. Zuckerkuchen belongs to both joy and sadness, to life and death – it suggests that we ought to start looking at the natural, healthy relationship between the two. Amongst Germans, Zuckerkuchen is often called “Freude-und-Leid-Kuchen” (Joy-and-Sorrow cake) or Beerdigungskuchen (“funeral cake”) because of its dual nature.

“Zuckerkuchen is often called “Freude-und-Leid-Kuchen” (Joy-and-Sorrow cake) or Beerdigungskuchen (“funeral cake”) because of its dual nature.”

Bremen, Bremen Germany, Germany, German town

Bremen.
(credit: cubicmatter.net)

Zuckerkuchen is simple enough: first you spread dough out over a baking sheet, sprinkle it with a hefty amount of butter and sugar, knead it, then put it in the oven (sometimes it’s garnished with almonds). It’s hard to say where the “funeral” cake finds its specific origins, but it’s particularly prominent in Bremen and Westphalia.

Why not bring some sweetness to the reflection encompassing a memorial or funeral ceremony? Try this recipe from Quick German Recipes to make your own Zuckerkuchen.

Explore more of SevenPonds’ Cultural Perspectives here.

FacebookTwitterPinterestShare
This entry was posted in Cultural Perspectives and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

9 Responses to Zuckerkuchen: The German Funeral Cake

  1. Such a simple food, yet so much story behind it. Rare can you find food that can be associated to two polar opposites of events. Wedding is a celebration, while funerals is a time of reflection and grief. Thanks for sharing this recipe, now people can have the opportunity of trying out Zuckerkuchen in their own kitchens.

    Report this comment

  2. avatar Maja says:

    Hello Suzette, you are using one of my pictures -> Zuckerkuchen from this post: http://www.shelikes.de/2014/08/butterkuchen-20-super-saftig-und-ohne.html
    If you like to keep using it, please give me a proper credit with a real link or otherwise delete it.

    Thank You and Greetings from Germany.

    Report this comment

  3. avatar Lauren says:

    Can you provide the actual recipe for the funeral cake

    Report this comment

  4. avatar Snizhana says:

    Thank you for the post! This pie is very important to me, because it is a mention of Germany. My distant ancestors moved to the Russian Empire and now I live in Ukraine. It was very difficult to find this cake. I was interested to know something about it, because my grandmother often cooks this pie.

    Report this comment

  5. avatar laura says:

    Can this type of cake be ordered and delivered to grieving family in germany

    Report this comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *